buddy & julie miller

Biography

Buddy & Julie Miller are a celebrated American husband-and-wife duo whose work has defined and expanded the boundaries of Americana and alt-country music. Buddy Miller, born in 1952, and Julie Miller, both originally from Texas, met in Austin in the mid-1970s and quickly formed both a personal and musical partnership. After stints in Los Angeles and New York, they settled in Nashville, where their creative synergy flourished. Julie initially found success as a songwriter and solo artist in the Christian music scene, while Buddy established himself as a highly respected guitarist, producer, and solo artist, collaborating with a wide array of musicians across genres.[2][1][7]

Their first official album as a duo, 'Buddy & Julie Miller' (2001), won the Americana Music Association’s Album of the Year award, cementing their status as leading figures in roots music. Their subsequent albums, including 'Written in Chalk' (2009), 'Breakdown on 20th Avenue South' (2019), and 'In the Throes' (2023), showcase a distinctive blend of mournful gospel, dusty country, cosmic blues, and R&B. Their music is marked by Julie’s emotionally direct songwriting and Buddy’s inventive guitar work, often characterized by his signature tremolo sound. Together, they have received numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award and multiple Americana Music Association Awards, and their songs have been recorded by artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Levon Helm, Emmylou Harris, and Diana Krall.[2][1]

Beyond their own recordings, Buddy & Julie Miller are known for their deep connections within the Americana community. Buddy has produced and performed with legends like Robert Plant and Solomon Burke, while Julie’s songwriting has been covered by a diverse roster of artists. Their enduring partnership, both on and off stage, is widely regarded as a model of creative collaboration and mutual inspiration, making them influential figures in contemporary American roots music.[2][1][4]

Fun Facts

• Buddy and Julie Miller have been married for over 40 years and see music as an extension of their marriage, often writing and recording in their home studio.[2][8]
• Buddy is known for his signature tremolo guitar sound, which he claims he hasn't turned off since 1979.[1]
• Julie once became fascinated with the hurdy-gurdy after seeing members of The Pogues play one backstage at a Bob Dylan concert; Buddy later bought her one, which appears on their album 'Breakdown on 20th Avenue South.'[1]
• Their song 'Don’t Make Her Cry' was co-written with Regina McCrary and Bob Dylan, who specifically suggested Buddy Miller set the lyrics to music.[2]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Soul and R&B artists (radio influences) - Buddy was influenced by soul and R&B heard on the radio during his youth. (General stylistic influence) [1960s-1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Jim Lauderdale - Frequent songwriting and recording partner; Buddy played guitar on Lauderdale's albums. (Pretty Close to the Truth (1994), Every Second Counts (1995)) [1990s-present]
• Robert Plant - Buddy worked as a musician and producer with Plant. (Band of Joy, Raising Sand (Plant/Krauss)) [2000s-2010s]
• Emmylou Harris - Buddy played in Harris's band and produced/recorded with her. (Various live and studio projects) [1990s-present]
• Regina McCrary and Bob Dylan - Co-writers with Julie on 'Don’t Make Her Cry.' (In the Throes (2023)) [2020s]

Artists Influenced

• Lee Ann Womack - Recorded Julie’s songs, reflecting her songwriting influence. (Cuts of Julie Miller compositions) [2000s]
• Joe Bonamassa - Recorded Julie’s songs, showing stylistic influence. (Cuts of Julie Miller compositions) [2000s]
• Allison Moorer - Recorded Julie’s songs, influenced by her writing. (Cuts of Julie Miller compositions) [2000s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Chalk (Written in Chalk)
2. Spittin’ On Fire (Breakdown On 20th Ave. South)
3. Gasoline and Matches (Written in Chalk)
4. Keep Your Distance (Buddy & Julie Miller)
5. I’m Gonna Make You Love Me (Breakdown On 20th Ave. South)
6. Ellis County (Written in Chalk)
7. Keep Your Distance (Buddy & Julie Miller)
8. Holding Up the Sky (Buddy & Julie Miller)
9. Breakdown On 20th Ave. South (Breakdown On 20th Ave. South)
10. Till The Stardust Comes Apart (Breakdown On 20th Ave. South)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #folk